Our Programs

The Institute for Economic Development's diverse programs facilitate economic, community and business development at the local, regional and national level. Click on a specific program for detailed information.

We invite you to learn more about how the MBDA Business Center's staff can help you strengthen and grow your business.

We are located at the University of Texas at San Antonio's Institute for Economic Development. We are one of a dozen small business, community and economic development assistance programs housed within the Institute for the purpose of building the economy, one business at a time. Our offices are conveniently located at UTSA's Downtown Campus (Durango Building, 3.324).

MBDA Business Centers are staffed by business specialists who help minority businesses access markets and capital. These centers are funded by the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. The MBDA Business Center promotes the minority business communitiesâ€™ growth and global competitiveness, making them better equipped to create and retain jobs, impact local economies and compete successfully in domestic and global marketplaces.

With a nationwide network of more than 40 MBDA Business Centers and strategic partners, these centers assist minority entrepreneurs and business owners with consulting services, contract and financing opportunities, bonding and certification services, building business-to-business alliances, global/ teaming/joint venture opportunities, and executive training.